Think of some of the greatest rock music intros of the last few decades—Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” There’s nothing like a powerful opening riff to let an audience know what you have in store for them.
The American Payroll Association’s (APA) 35th Annual Congress, aptly themed “Payroll Rocks the World,” also delivered its own adrenaline-pumping introduction to payroll professionals at the Opening General Session this afternoon. While there might not have been any head banging or guitar smashing, APA leaders came ready to blow the roof off the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Congress’ Opening General Session started with a high-energy, hard-rocking dance trio and a Cher impersonator who brought loud applause from the pumped-up audience. In the middle, the atmosphere calmed into silence as hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons led a meditation session.
Tara Rose, CPP, Senior Payroll Analyst for Northrop Grumman, said she enjoyed the high energy at the beginning of the session.
“I liked the Cher impersonator," Rose said. "She was fun.”
Taking the stage first to give welcoming remarks was Dan Maddux, Executive Director of the APA. His solo performance was followed by James Paille, CPP, Immediate Past President of the APA, and Sondra Dougherty, CPP, APA’s President.After all opening remarks were completed, Dougherty announced the 2017 Payroll Man of the Year and the 2017 Payroll Woman of the Year. (Click HERE to find out who took top honors.)
The Opening General Session wrapped up with Keynote Speaker Simmons with his presentation, “Success Through Stillness” and Mark Schulman presenting “Hacking the ROCKSTAR Mindset,” which included Schulman wailing away on his drum set to help energize attendees and bring the session to a motivational close.
Additional reporting by Teresa Burney
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